MinDA, Foreign Chambers Formalize Partnership to Connect Investors with Mindanao

DAVAO CITY — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Foreign Chambers have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to connect international investors with Mindanao’s priority projects, enterprises, and investment opportunities.

MinDA Chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, emphasized that the agreement translates the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2026 discussions into sustained cooperation among government, the private sector, and international business communities to generate investments, industries, and jobs.

“The development forum is not just about shared ideas; it is about partnerships that we build and the actions that we commit to take together,” Magno said.

The MOU establishes a framework for investment promotion, investor referrals, business matching, trade linkages, and business-to-business and business-to-government engagements between Mindanao stakeholders and international business networks.

MinDA Executive Director, Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, stressed that the partnership must translate commitments into actual projects by connecting investors with local enterprises, communities, and development opportunities.

“Let us make sure that what we have agreed on, signed, and committed to here will really turn into actual projects on the ground,” Lopoz said.

The agreement provides for a MinDA–Mindanao Foreign Chambers Coordination Mechanism to monitor investment leads, identify priority activities, facilitate stakeholder introductions, and sustain collaboration beyond MDF 2026.

The foreign chambers will help promote Mindanao’s investment opportunities through their international business networks, facilitate connections with prospective investors, and share market insights that can strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

MinDA will facilitate investor referrals, provide relevant investment information, coordinate with project proponents and government partners, and follow through on business leads generated through the partnership.

The parties will collaborate on investment forums, business missions, project pitching, investor briefings, and an Investment and Partnership Marketplace covering priority sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and economic zones.

The partnership is also expected to benefit Mindanao enterprises, farmers’ organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and project proponents by expanding access to international markets, prospective investors, technical expertise, and business networks that can support enterprise growth and job creation.

Also present at the MOU signing were Chairman, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) – Southern Mindanao, Antonio Peralta; President, American�Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Mindanao (AmCham Mindanao), Mr. Peter Cowles; 3rd Vice President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Jocelyn Romero; Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao, Tesui Kitae.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More program, MinDA promotes Mindanao’s strategic infrastructure and connectivity priorities to improve access to investment areas and strengthen regional competitiveness.

In line with the Marcos administration’s push for greater private-sector participation in development, MinDA works with the PPP Center through its Mindanao PPP Facilitation Initiative to help local government units prepare viable projects and attract private investments.

Supporting President Marcos’ goal of inclusive economic growth and job creation, MinDA will leverage its partnership with foreign chambers to connect Mindanao enterprises with international investors, expand market opportunities, and generate sustainable livelihoods.
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